The water in these lakes comes from a sustainable reuse process that conserves potable water. It begins with home water use, where wastewater is collected and sent to a treatment facility. After being treated to A+ standards, the water is recharged into the aquifer which acts as a natural underground water storage system. The lake’s well then pumps this reclaimed water — also known as recovered effluent — back to the surface, where it fills the lake.

This non-potable water is not intended for drinking but is safely used to irrigate our parks and communities, helping to maintain green spaces while reducing demand on potable water for landscaping.

In Queen Creek, potable water is delivered to homes and businesses for everyday use. Once it goes down the drain, it becomes wastewater and is treated at the Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant. The treated reclaimed water is then sent to nearby facilities that recharge the water into the groundwater aquifer.

The Town receives credits for the reclaimed water it stores in the groundwater aquifer. These credits allow the Town to pump the reclaimed water from wells near the lakes, supplying water for park landscaping — conserving potable water, lowering costs, and reducing our reliance on groundwater.

Water from these lakes is pumped to irrigate the grass, trees, and plants efficiently in our parks and communities. To conserve water and enhance the park visitor experience, irrigation typically occurs at night, reducing evaporation and ensuring the turf remains available during the day.

Irrigating a large park within six to eight hours requires delivering a significant volume of water quickly. Pumping water directly from the lake provides the necessary supply and the high pressure needed for efficient and effective irrigation.